Orthopedic treatment table

ABSTRACT

An orthopedic treatment table conceived to be operated by the patient himself and arranged to effect spinal traction by the action of gravity on the body of the patient supported in recumbent position on a plurality of table top sections, all slidably mounted onto an angularly elevatable frame relative to a supporting base. Crank-operated latches are provided to lock any table top section to an adjacent table top section relative to the frame, such that the table top sections can be variably connected relative to each other.

United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,741,200 Morin June 26, 1973 ORTHOPEDIC TREATMENT TABLE [76] Inventor: Henri Morin, 7582 Lisieux Street,

Montreal, Quebec, Canada [22] Filed: Oct. 20, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 190,714

[52] US. Cl. 128/71 [51] Int. Cl. A61f 5/00 [58] Field of Search 128/68, 70, 71, 24

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,932,038 4/1960 Sprague 128/68 UX 3,118,442 l/1964 Montgomery.. 128/71 1,648,631 11/1927 Austin..... 128/71 X 1,936,363 1l/l933 'Murray 128/71 X Primary Examiner-Lawrence -W. Trapp AttorneyPierre Lesperance [57] ABSTRACT An orthopedic treatment table conceived to be operated by the patient himself and arranged to effect spinal traction by the action of gravity on the body of the patient supported in recumbent position on a plurality of table top sections, all slidably mounted onto an angularly elevatable frame relative to a supporting base. Crank-operated latches are provided to lock any table top section to an adjacent table top section relative to the frame, such that the table top sections can be variably connected relative to each other.

25 Claims, 40 Drawing Figures .PAIENIEI] JUN 2 6 I975 3.741.200 SHEET 1 [IF 9 hr v" m .1 I 'h' I7 '1 ILL 7 z IL." a I PATEN TED JUN 26 I975 SHEET 5 OF 9 PAIENIEU JUN 2 6 I975 SHEET 6 [IF 9 PAIENTED JUIZS I975 SHEU 7 0F 9 PATENIED JUN 2 6 I975 SHEEIBUFQ 1 ORTHOPEDIC TREATMENT TABLE This invention relates to an orthopedic treatment accessory and, more particularly, to a table constructed and arranged to effect orthopedic treatment by spinal traction on a patient.

A common method of producing spinal traction consistsin suspending weights to the feet of a patient, such as to exert a pull thereon.

Another method consists in lying down a patient on a treatment table having two table top sections displaceable relative to each other and by urging the latter apart from each other to pull the two extremities of the patient away from each other by means of mechanical pull, such as produced by a motor.

A further method consists in providing an inclined single table top section arranged such that the patient will be subjected to the action of gravity to cause spinal traction.

All of the above methods have been found unsatisfactory, since an uncomfortable pull needs to be exerted on the feet of the patient to overcome the frictional resistance of his body on the table top. The abovementioned method by gravity does not allow adjustment of the angular elevation of the table top to vary the action of gravity and none of the presently known methods has been conceived to be operated and adjusted by the patient himself while laid down for treatment. Furthermore, none of the known methods allows to focus the traction on anyone of a number of preselected spinal sections.

It is a general object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table constructed and arranged to avoid the above disadvantages.

It is another general object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table adapted to produce spinal traction on a patient by the action of gravity. 7

It is another general object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table arranged to be operated and adjusted by the patient himself while laid down thereon, whereby to dispense with the need for the assistance of an attendant.

It is a further general object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table which is of relatively simple construction and which is motorless to produce an inexpensive product adapted for domestic use.

It is another object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table having a table top formed of individually slidable and lockable sections to focus the traction of any of a number of preselected spinal sections.

It is a further general object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table arranged such that the force of traction is not lost or dissipated into frictional resistance produced between the body of the patient and the table top.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide an orthopedic treatment table having a table top which is mounted to adjust the angular elevation thereof, whereby to produce traction by the action of gravity on a patient restrained in recumbent position on the table top.

The invention will now be defined in detail with reference to the two embodiments illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of an orthopedic treatment table according to the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are top and end views respectively of the treatment table shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 7 diagrammatically illustrate various interlocking combinations of the plurality of slidable table top sections forming part of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view as seen in the direction of the arrows along line 8-8 in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views as seen along lines 9-9 and 10-10 respectively in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 11-11 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a detail view in perspective of a sliding arrangement for the frame of the table;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are detail views illustrating the mounting of elements shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 16-16 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sliding or displaceable block shown in FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIGS. 19, 21, and 22 are side views of the orthopedic treatment table according to the invention, shown in three different operative positions;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a slot arrangement to allow angular elevation of the table top;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are enlarged side and end views respectively of a foot restraining element;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 25-25 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a chin strap to restrain-the head of a patient resting in recumbent position on the table;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 27-27 in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of an orthopedic treatment table according to the invention;

FIG. 29 is a view corresponding to the view of FIG. 28, but with the near side panel removed and with partial cross-sections to better illustrate interior details;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the orthopedic treatment table shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional line 31-31 in FIG. 28;

FIGS. 32 to 35 inclusiveare illustrated on the same sheet of drawings as FIGS. 25, 26, and 27;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 32-32 in FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33 and 34 are cross-sectional views along lines 33-33 and 34-34 in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged detailed view of part of FIG. 33 as seen along line 35-35 in FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view as seen along line 36-36 in FIG. 29;

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as seen along line 37-37 in FIG. 30;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view as seen along line 38-38 in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting arrangement for a side panel; and

plan view as seen along as seen FIG. 40 is an enlarged detailed view of an angle indicator for the orthopedic treatment table of FIGS. 28 to 39 inclusive.

The orthopedic treatment table illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 27 inclusive comprises a supporting base 1, of tubular construction, rollably carried by a caster 2 at each of the four corners thereof. A rectangular frame 3 is provided with a rigid metal plate 4 extending along each side thereof. A horizontal pivot 5 joins the plates 4 to the tubular base 1 to vary the angular elevation of the frame 3. A metal panel 6 is fixed against the underside of the frame 3 and a support plate 7 is fixed on top of the base 1 intermediate the two side plates 4.

The assembly adapted to effect adjustment of the angular elevation of the frame 3 will now be described in detail with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 11, 16, 17,

and 18. The angular elevation adjustment assembly includes an endless screw 8 rotatably mounted onto the support plate 7 by a pair of block bearings 9. As shown, the endless screw 8 extends longitudinally of the frame 3 over and transversely with respect to the horizontal axis defined by the transverse pivot 5. A nut or block 10 is threaded onto the endless screw 8 and has a pair of pins 11 extending from opposite sides thereof. A fork-shaped follower block 12 is fixed against the underside of the panel or plate 6 and extends downwardly therefrom to engage the opposite sides of the pins 11. A bevel gear- 13 is fixed at one end of the endless screw 8 for rotation therewith. A shaft 14 extends transversely of the frame 3, parallel to the horizontal pivot 5, and is mounted onto the support plate 7 by a pair of block bearings 15. A bevel gear 16 is fixed onto the transverse shaft 14 in meshing engagement with the bevel gear 13. The transverse shaft 14 has one end extending through one side plate 4 and a handwheel 17 is secured onto the exterior end of the shaft 14. An arcuate slot 18 is formed through the side plate 4, concentric with the pivot 5, to allow angular elevation of the frame 3 and the side plates 4 relative to the spatially fixed shaft 14.

It should be noted that the handwheel 17 is conveniently located near the top of the table to be accessible to a patient in recumbent position on the table top which will be described hereinafter.

The angular elevation of the frame 3 and the table top is obtained by rotation of the handwheel 17 in one direction or the other; this causes the threaded block 10 to be displaced along the endless screw 8, resulting in similar displacement of the follower block 12 and, in cooperation with the pivot 5, in an angular elevation of the plate 6 and the frame 3 fixed thereto.

The table topof the illustrated treatment table according to the invention is sectioned into a head supporting table top section 19, a torso supporting table top section 20, a pelvis supporting table top section 21 and two leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23. The torso supporting table top section-20 includes a baseplate 24 and an overlying cushion 25 extending horizontally co-extensive with each other. The pelvis supporting table top section 21 includes a base-plate 26 and an overlying cushion 27. Each of the leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23 includes a rigid base, not shown, supporting an overlying cushion 28.

It should be noted that the baseplate 26 extends horizontally co-extensive with the pelvis supporting and leg supporting table tap sections 21, 22, and 23 and has four rectangular or square openings 29 extending therethrough for a purpose to be explained later. The head supporting table top section 19 includes a baseplate 30 supporting an overlying cushion 31.

An above mentioned, the table top sections 19 to 23 inclusive are arranged to be individually slidable or to be interlocked for various combination of collective sliding or non-sliding attachment to the frame 3, as will now be described in detail. A first pair of parallel guide rods 32, a second pair of parallel guide rods 33 and a third pair of parallel guide rods 34 are fixed against the outer sides of the frame 3 by brackets 35 and 36, such that all the guide rods extend in the same orthogonal direction relative to the transverse horizontal pivot 5. A pair of sliding blocks 37, provided with slipper or axial bearings, are fixed against the undersurface of the baseplate 24 along each side of the latter and engage the corresponding guide rod 32. A sliding block 38 is similarly fixed against the undersurface of the baseplate 26 on each side of the latter and engages the corresponding guide rod 33. The sliding blocks 38, as the sliding blocks 37, are provided with axial bearings or sleeves 39, shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. A pair of brackets 40 are fixed against the undersurface of the baseplate 26 along each side thereof an support the corresponding guide rod 34 in fixed position relative to the baseplate 26 and, consequently, the pelvis supporting table top section 21. The brackets 36, which are fixed to the opposite sides of the frame 3, are provided with axial bearings or sleeves as are the sliding blocks 37 and 38. It can therefore be seen that the guide rods 34 slides with pelvis supporting table top section 21 relative to the brackets 36 and the frame 3 while the guide rods 32 and 33 are stationary relative to the frame 3.

The elements which allow sliding movement between the head supporting table top section 19 and the torso supporting table top section 20 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 25, and 27.

A pair of parallel guide rods 41 are fixed by pairs of brackets 43 to opposite lateral sides of a cutout 42 formed into the baseplate 24. A pair of sliding blocks 44, for instance similar to the blocks 37 and 38, are fixed against the undersurface of the baseplate 30 along each side thereof in engagement with the corresponding guide rod 41 to allow sliding of the head supporting table top section 19 relative to the torso supporting table top section 20 and to the frame 3.

The elements which allow sliding movement between the leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23 and the pelvis supporting table top section 21 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, l1, and 12. A pair of parallel guide rods 45 are fixed by a pair of brackets 46 to the opposite lateral sides of each of the two frontmost openings 29 extending through the baseplate 26. Sliding blocks 47 are fixed against the undersurface of the leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23, such that there is one sliding block 47 in engagement with each guide rod 45. A pair of parallel guide rods 48 are fixed by pairs of brackets 49 against the undersurface of the two leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23, into each rearmost opening. Sliding blocks 50 are fixed against the opposite lateral sides of each rearmost opening 29, such that there is one sliding block 50 in engagement with each guide rod 48. It can therefore be seen that the sliding blocks 47 and the guide rods 48 are fixed to the leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23 for bodily sliding therewith while the guide rods 45 and the sliding blocks 50 are fixed to the baseplate 26 of the pelvis supporting table top section 21 for movement with the latter.

A locking assembly is provided to lock the head support-ing table top section 19 to the frame 3; another locking assembly is provided to lock the torso supporting table top section 20 to the head supporting table top section 19; another to lock the pelvis supporting table top section 21 to the frame 3; and two more locking assemblies to lock each of the two leg supporting table top sections 22 and 23 to the pelvis supporting table top section 21. Manual levers 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 are provided to respectively operate the abovementioned locking assemblies which are preferably similarly constructed.

Thelocking assembly which is actuated by the lever 5 1 and which is arranged to unlock the head supporting table top section 19 from the frame 3, will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 27. The locking assembly actuated by the manual lever 51 includes a locking lever 56 pivoted onto a bracket 57 fixed against the undersurface of the baseplate 30. The locking lever 56 has a hook portion arranged to engage a transverse pin 58 supported by a bracket 59 secured against the inner side of a transverse front portion of the frame 3. A tensioned spring 60 is tensioned between the baseplate 30 and the locking lever 56 to bias the latter into locking engagement with the transverse pin 58. The manual lever 51 is pivoted onto a bracket 61 fixed against the frame 3 and has a crank portion 62 arranged to engage a lower edge portion of the locking lever 56 to selectively disengage the latter from the transverse pin 58, thereby unlocking the head supporting table top section 19 from the frame 3. This allows sliding of the section 19 relative to the frame 3, either bodily with the torso supporting table top section 20 or individually depending if the latter is connected thereto or not. A cable or wire 63 is connected at one end to a bracket or lug 64 fixed against the underside of the baseplate 30, passes around a pulley 65 rotatably mounted onto the frame 3 and is connected at its other end to one end of a tension spring 66 which has its other end hooked to a lug or bracket 67 secured against the undersurface of the baseplate 24. The cable 63 and the spring 66 are arranged to bias the head supporting table top section 19 into locking position defined by the engagement of the locking lever 56 with the transverse pin 58.

The locking assembly actuated by the manual lever 53 and arranged to lock the pelvis supporting table top section 21 to the frame 3 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. The latter locking assembly also includes a bracket 68 to pivot the locking lever 69 adapted to engage a transverse pin 70 supported by a bracket 71. A tension spring 72 is connected to bias the lever 69 into locking engagement with the transverse pin 70. The manual lever 53 is pivotally supported by a bracket 73 and has a crank portion 74 adapted to disengage the locking lever 69 from locking engagement with the transverse pin 70.

The locking assemblies which are actuable by the manual levers 52, 54, and 55, have not been illustrated in detail. They are generally similar to the assemblies actuable by the levers 51 and 53, but, obviously, they can be of different constructions.

In order to better understand the operation of the table top sections 19 to 23 inclusive, reference should be made to FIGS. 4 to 7 inclusive, which illustrate some locking and unlocking combinations which are made possible to focus or direct the traction on particular portions of the spine of a patient. As shown in FIG. 4, both manual levers 52 and 53 have been actuated allowing the table top sections 21, 22, and 23 to bodily slide under the action of gravity on these table top sections and on the pelvis and leg portions of thepatient, and also allowing the table top section 20 to slide down under the action of gravity thereon and on the torso portion of the patient.

It should be noted that, since there is no mechanical drive of the table top sections, there is no transmission of traction force at the interface between the table top sections and the patient and, therefore, there is no unnecessary and uncomfortable pull exerted on any body portion of the patient. As shown in FIG. 5, only the manual lever 54 has been moved to unlocked position.

As shown in FIG. 6, the manual levers 52 and 55 have been actuated and, as shown in FIG. 7, the manual levers 53,54 and 55 have been moved to unlocked position.

FIG. 19 shows that the patient may be restrained relative to the table top by a chest strap 75 engaging around the torso or chest of the patient and arranged to be firmly secured to the torso supporting table top section 20.

The head of the patient may be restrained relative to the table top section 19 by a chin strap 76 arranged to be tightly secured into slots 77 in a pair of posts 78. The latter have an L-shape defining'a normally horizontal portion having a flange 79 to fix the corresponding post 78 against the underside of the baseplate 30.

Each foot of the patient may be restrained relative to the table top section 22 or 23, as the case may be, by a gaiter shape element 80. A U-shaped support 81 is provided for each foot of the patient and is arranged to engage around the free or outer end of a table top section 22 or 23 and to be retained in anyone of a plurality of extension adjustment positions by pins 82. The latter engage through apertured lugs 83 fixed to the transverse rear portion of the frame 3 and through one of a plurality of adjustment holes 84 formed into a pair of vertical flanges 85. A pair of spaced-apart upright stands 86 are welded or otherwise fixed onto each U- shaped support 81 and a brace or rod 87 is welded, or otherwise suitably fixed between each stand 86 and the corresponding support 81, to form a rigid assembly. The spaced-apart stands 87 are formed with notches 88. Each gaiter element has a transverse pin 89 fixed thereto and arranged to extend on both sides of the foot of the patient, such as to engage into two aligned notches 88 of a pair of stands 86.

The patient may therefore be restrained by the chest strap 75 engaging the torso portion of his body, as shown in FIG. 19, by the chin strap 76 engaging'his head, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, and/or by the gaiter elements 80 engaging one or both of his feet, as shown in FIG. 22.

In FIG. 19, the patient is shown in recumbent position on the table top with the table top section 21 only being unlocked from the frame 3, such as to focus or concentrate the action of gravity to produce traction of the lower portion of the spine. The frame 3 and the table top carried by the latter has been angularly elevated to exert a desired degree of traction. Other positions of operation of the orthopedic treatment table according to the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 28 to 40 inclusive for the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in those figures.

The orthopedic treatment table, as shown in FIGS. 28, 29, and 36 includes a base 100 formed of a pair of arches, or arch-shaped rails 101, extending parallel to each other and each including a longitudinal beam 102. The two beams 102 of the two arches 101 are rigidly joined together by two transverse bars 103. The arches 101, the longitudinal beams 102 and the transverse bars 103 are formed of tubular metal pieces of rectangular or' square cross-section, whereby the arches define a pair of opposite top and bottom fiat surfaces. In order to allow assembly and disassembly of the base 100, the transverse bars 103 are fixed by screws 104 to the longitudinal beams 102 which are welded to the arches 101.

The table top for the treatment table includes three table top sections, a head supporting table top section 105, a torso supporting table top section 106 and a pelvis and leg supporting table top section 107. The head supporting table top section 105 includes a base plate 108 covered by a cushion 109. Similarly, the table top section 106 has a base plate 110 and a cushion 111, and the table top section 107 has a base plate 112 and a cushion 113.

A generally rectangular frame, as best shown in FIG. 31,'is provided to support the table top sections 105, 106, and 107. The generally rectangular frame includes parallel side beams 114 joined by transverse members 1 l and 116, and longitudinal members 117 fixed endwise against the front face of the transverse member 1 16 and joined at their front ends by a crosspiece 118. All the beam members 114 to 118 inclusive are made of square tubing welded or otherwise rigidly secured together to-form a unitary frame structure.

The head supporting table top section 105 is secured onto the frame members 117, 117, and 118 to remain fixed thereon. Each base plate 110 and 112 is provided with a set of four channel sections 1 19 fixed against the undersurface thereof and extending parallel two by two lengthwise of the side beams 114. Transverse plates 120, 121, 122, and 123 extend transversely under the corresponding base plates 110 and 112 and'are fixed at their ends to two transversely opposite channel sections 119. The side beams 114 are provided with stub axles 124 extending inwardly therefrom towards the corresponding channel sections 119. Each stub axle 124 has a roller 125,01 nylon or the like material, arranged to rollably engage into a corresponding channel section 119 to support the same, whereby each table top section 106 and 107 is rollable along the side beams 114 relative to the head supporting table top section 105.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 30 to 35 inclusive, the displaceable table top sections 106 and 107 are each provided with a locking mechanism now to be described. The locking mechanism for the displaceable torso supporting table top section 106 includes a first block 126 fixed under the transverse plate 123 for bodily displacement therewith and with the table top section 106. A block 127 is fixed under the baseplate 108 of the head supporting table top section 105 and a rod 128 extends through longitudinally aligned holes in the blocks 126 and 127 for free displacement through the latter. The rod 128 is fixed by cotter pins 129 or any suitable expedient to the block 126 for displacement therewith and is provided with a stop ring 130 at the front end thereof to limit rearward displacement of the table top section 106. A screw 131 is threadedly mounted into the block 127 and arranged to intersect the rod 128, whereby to releasably engage and lock the latter against longitudinal displacement. Since the rod 128 is fixed to the block 126 and, therefore, to the table top section 106, there results also locking of the latter.

Similarly, the locking mechanism for the pelvis and legs supporting table top sections 107 includes a block 132 fixed under the transverse plate 121, a block 133 fixed to a transverse plate 134 welded to the side beams 114, a rod 135 and a screw 136 intersecting the rod 135 into the block 133, whereby to releasably lock the table top section 107 relative to the frame.

The frame supporting the table top sections 105, 106, and 107 is provided with four U-shape brackets on legs 137 fixed to the side beams 114 at spaced-apart points thereof, as shown in FIGS; 29 and 36. A pair of radially spaced-apart rollers 138 are rotatably mounted between the opposite leg portions of each bracket 137 and arranged to roll against the opposite bottom and top surfaces of the corresponding arch 101. It may readily be understood that the frame and the table top sections are arranged to be bodily displaced lengthwise along the arches 101 and there results a variation of the angle of elevation of the table top defined by the three table top sections. The actual angle of elevation of the table may be read on appropriate markings 139, through a hole 140 in a side panel 141 on at least one side of the table.

A screw 142 rigidly secured to a handwheel 143 extends longitudinally of the table and is arranged to cause angular elevation adjustment of the table top. A nut or the like threaded element 114 is screwed onto the inner end of the screw 142 and is rigidly fixed inside a tube 145. The latter is pivotally supported by a U- shape bracket 146 by a transverse rod 147 fixed at opposite ends to the two arches 101 respectively. A generally U-shape or fork-like bracket 148 is fixed against the undersurface of the crosspiece 118 and depends therefrom. A block 149 is pivotally supported by axially aligned stub pins or pivots 150 extending from opposite sides thereof and pivotally engaging into suitable apertures in the branches of the bracket 148. The shank portion of the screw 142 freely extends through a longitudinal bore in the supporting block 149, whereby to pivot with the latter about the transverse axis defined by the aligned pivot pins 150. Blocking rings 151, or any other suitable expedients, are provided around the screw 142 adjacent the block 149, whereby to axially restrain the screw relative to both the block 149 and the frame of the table. There results that actuation of the handwheel 143 causes axial displacement of the screw 142 relative to the tube 145, a consequent shortening or extension of the screw and tube combination, and a longitudinal rolling of the frame onto the arch-shape rails 101. The screw and tube combination is arranged to displace the table top towards the left only, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 28, relative to a substantially horizontal inoperative position. Therefore, the angular elevation is always in a feet down position for the comfort of the user in recumbent position on the table top.

As for the first embodiment, when the table top is inclined and one or more of the table top sections is released with a patient in recumbent position, the force of gravity acts on the corresponding body portion of the patient to cause traction on a desired spinal portion thereof. The screws 131 and 136 may be screwed at will to stop the displacement of the corresponding table top section, and this may be done by the patient himself when he feels that he is enduring enough traction.

As for the first embodiment, a chest strap 152 and a chin strap 153 are provided to retain the patient. The chest strap 152, as the chest strap 75, are made of Velcro material to adjust to the varying chest measurements of different patients. Velcro is a trade mark for a self-adhering material.

The side panels 141 may be made of plastic, or any other suitable decorative material, and are retained into position by screws 154 engaging into nylon or the like bosses 155 fixed against the inner side of each side panel.

It will be readily understood that many changes may be made to the shape and details of the components or parts of the invention without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

I claim 1. An orthopedic treatment table comprising a supporting base, an elongated frame mounted onto said supporting base and arranged for angular elevation about a transverse direction thereof, a plurality of table top sections mounted onto said frame, at least one of said table top sections being freely displaceable lengthwise of said frame while another table top section is fixed to said frame, said plurality of table top sections forming a table constructed and arranged to support a human patient in recumbent position, means to attach a portion of the patients body to said fixed table top section, said one table top section adapted to support another portion of the patients body, an angular elevation adjustment means connected between said supporting base and said frame and arranged to vary the angular elevation of the latter and of said patient supporting table about said transverse direction and to allow independent displacement of at least said one table top section under the action of gravity, whereby the patient will be subjected to traction due to the weight of the portion of the body supported by said movable table top section.

2. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is pivoted on said base about asubstantially horizontal axis extending transversely to said frame.

3. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 2, wherein said angular elevation adjustment means includes a manual control arranged on one side of said frame adjacent the upper portion thereof, whereby to be accessible to and operable by patient lying down on said table.

4. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 3, wherein said angular elevation adjustment means includes an endless screw rotatably mounted onto said base and extending into said direction in spaced position relative to said horizontal axis, a displaceable ele-' ment threadably mounted onto said endless screw for displacement lengthwise of the latter, a follower element fixed to said frame adjacent said endless screw and arranged to cooperatively engage said displaceable element, drive means connected to said endless screw and to said manual control and arranged to respond to the latter to cause rotation of said endless screw and a resultant angular elevation movement of said frame;

5. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 4, wherein said drive means includes a shaft rotatably mounted onto said base parallel to said horizontal axis, and having one end extending outside said frame; said manual control is a handwheel fixed to said one end of said shaft for rotation therewith, a first bevel gear fixed to the other end of said shaft for rotation therewith, and a second bevel gear fixed to said endless screw for rotation therewith; both said bevel gears are intermeshing, whereby, upon rotation of said hand wheel, said frame and table will be pivoted in one direction or the other around said horizontal axis.

6. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of table top sections include a torso supporting table top section and a pelvis supporting table top section, both arranged for independent lengthwise displacement relative to said frame and to each other.

7. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 6, further including locking means connected to at least said one table top section and to said frame and constructed and arranged to selectively lock said one table top section to said frame.

8. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 7, wherein said locking means is attached to said pelvis supporting table top section and arranged to releasably engage said frame, whereby said pelvis supporting table top section is selectively locked to said frame against displacement under gravity.

9. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 8, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section and a pair of leg supporting table top sections.

10. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 9, wherein said locking means constitutes a first locking means, a second locking means is attached to said head supporting table top section and arranged to releasably engage said frame, whereby said head supporting table top section is selectively locked to said frame, and further locking means are attached to said head supporting table top section and to said leg supporting table top sections and arranged to releasably engage said torso supporting table top section and said pelvis supporting table top section respectively, whereby to selectively lock any of said torso supporting and leg supporting table top sections to the head supporting or pelvis supporting table top section.

11. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 10, wherein any of said locking means includes a spring biased latch pivoted on the corresponding table top section and arranged to engage a catch, and a crank constructed and arranged to engage said spring biased latch to disengage the latter from said catch and including a manual lever portion extending along one side of said frame and arranged to be accessible toa patient lying down on said table.

12. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 2, wherein said plurality of table top sections include a torso supporting table top section and a pelvis supporting table top section, a first, a second and a third pairs of parallel guide rods are fixed to said frame and extend into the longitudinal direction thereof, sliding blocks are fixed to said torso supporting table top section in engagement with said first pair of guide rods and are tion is slidable into said longitudinal direction along 4 said first pair of guide rods, and sliding blocks are fixed i to said pelvis supporting table top section in engagement with said second and third pairs of guide rods and are arranged, whereby the pelvis supporting table top section is slidable into said longitudinal direction along said second and third pairs of guide rods.

13. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 12, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section and a pair of leg supporting table top sections, a fourth pair of parallel side rods are fixed to said torso supporting table top section, sliding blocks are fixed tosaid head supporting table top section in engagement with said fourth pair of guide rods and are arranged, whereby the head supporting table slidable section is slidable into said longitudinal direction along said fourth pair of guide rods, a spring biasing means is connected between said head supporting table top section and said torso supporting table top section to bias the same apart from each other, two pairs of parallel guide rods are fixed to said pelvis supporting tabletop section underneath each leg supporting table top section, sliding blocks are fixed to each of said leg supporting table top sections in engagement with one of said two pairs of g 7 guide rods, and are arranged whereby the leg supporting table top sections are slidably into said longitudinal direction along said two pairsof guide rods.

14. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 12, further including a body restraining means having a pair of posts fixed to said head supporting table top section, and a chin strap-attached to said posts and arranged to'engage the chin of a patient to exert traction on his spine; a bracket adjustably mounted onto said frame adjacent 'each leg supporting table top section; and a gai-ter element adapted to releasably engage each of said bracket and to engage one ,foot of a patient to exert traction thereon.

15. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is rockingly supported on said base for angular and longitudinal displacement relative thereto.

16. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 15, further including rollers and guide track means interconnecting said base to said frame and constructed and arranged to rockingly support the latter.

17. An orthopedic treatment table as defined-in claim 16, wherein said guide track means includes similar arch shape tracks extending in parallel relationship lengthwise of said frame, the latter has one pair of legs associated to each of said arch-shape tracks, and said rollers are'rotatably carried by said legs in spaced-apart points along each of said arch-shape tracks and are arranged to rollingly carry said frame thereon for longitudinal and angular movement thereof relative to said base.

l8. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 17, further including a screw extending longitudinally of said frame axially restrained at one end to said base and at the other end to said frame, and constructed and arranged to be rotated and to cause said angular and longitudinal displacementof the latter.

19. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 7, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section, and said pelvis supporting table top section is constructed and arranged to also form a leg supporting table top section.

20. An orthopedic treatment table as definedin claim 19, wherein said head supporting tabl; top section is fixedly secured to said frame, and said locking means constitutes a first locking means engaging said frame and said torso supporting table top section and arranged to releasably lock the latter relative to said frame, and a second locking means engages said frame and said pelvis and leg supporting table top section and is arranged to selectively lock the latter relative to said frame, whereby to allow independent displacement of said torso and pelvis supporting table top sections rela tive to said frame.

21. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 20, wherein each of said first and second locking means includes a first member secured to said frame, a second member secured to a corresponding table top section andconstructed and arranged for longitudinal displacement relative to said first member, and a locking element operatively associated to said first and second members to releasably lock one to the other, and one of said first and second members is a rod means and the other is an apertured member through which said rod means extends for to and fro displacement therethrough.

22. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 21, wherein said rod means is arod fixed at one end to one of said table top sections and extending longitudinally towards said head supporting table top section, said apertured member is a block fixed to said frame and having a longitudinally extending aperture therethrough and said locking element is a screw threadably engaged into said block and constructed and arranged to intersect and engage said rod to lock the latter and the corresponding table top section against longitudinal displacement relative to said frame.

23. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim about a transverse axis thereof and a handwheel is secured to said screw to rotate the latter to cause extension and contraction of the screw and tube relative to each other, thereby causing said angular and longitudinal displacement.

25. An orthopedic treatment table as claimed in claim 1, further including a manually operable locking means connected to said frame and to said one table top section and accessible to a patient lying down on said table, whereby the patient may unlock said one table top section so that the latter will move away from said fixed table top section under the action of gravity with said table in inclined position.

t II t i l 

1. An orthopedic treatment table comprising a supporting base, an elongated frame mounted onto said supporting base and arranged for angular elevation about a transverse direction thereof, a plurality of table top sections mounted onto said frame, at least one of said table top sections being freely displaceable lengthwise of said frame while another table top section is fixed to said frame, said plurality of table top sections forming a table constructed and arranged to support a human patient in recumbent position, means to attach a portion of the patient''s body to said fixed table top section, said one table top section adapted to support another portion of the patient''s body, an angular elevation adjustment means connected between said supporting base and said frame and arranged to vary the angular elevation of the latter and of said patient supporting table about said transverse direction and to allow independent displacement of at least said one table top section under the action of gravity, whereby the patient will be subjected to traction due to the weight of the portion of the body supported by said movable table top section.
 2. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is pivoted on said base about a substantially horizontal axis extending transversely to said frame.
 3. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 2, wherein said angular elevation adjustment means includes a manual control arranged on one side of said frame adjacent the upper portion thereof, whereby to be accessible to and operable by patient lying down on said table.
 4. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 3, wherein said angular elevation adjustment means includes an endless screw rotatably mounted onto said base and extending into said direction in spaced position relative to said horizontal axis, a displaceable element threadably mounted onto said endless screw for displacement lengthwise of the latter, a follower element fixed to said frame adjacent said endless screw and arranged to cooperatively engage said displaceable element, drive means connected to said endless screw and to said manual control and arranged to respond to the latter to cause rotation of said endless screw and a resultant angular elevation movement of said frame.
 5. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 4, wherein said drive means includes a shaft rotatably mounted onto said base parallel to said horizontal axis, and having one end extending outside said frame; said manual control is a handwheel fixed to said one end of said shaft for rotation thErewith, a first bevel gear fixed to the other end of said shaft for rotation therewith, and a second bevel gear fixed to said endless screw for rotation therewith; both said bevel gears are intermeshing, whereby, upon rotation of said hand wheel, said frame and table will be pivoted in one direction or the other around said horizontal axis.
 6. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of table top sections include a torso supporting table top section and a pelvis supporting table top section, both arranged for independent lengthwise displacement relative to said frame and to each other.
 7. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 6, further including locking means connected to at least said one table top section and to said frame and constructed and arranged to selectively lock said one table top section to said frame.
 8. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 7, wherein said locking means is attached to said pelvis supporting table top section and arranged to releasably engage said frame, whereby said pelvis supporting table top section is selectively locked to said frame against displacement under gravity.
 9. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 8, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section and a pair of leg supporting table top sections.
 10. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 9, wherein said locking means constitutes a first locking means, a second locking means is attached to said head supporting table top section and arranged to releasably engage said frame, whereby said head supporting table top section is selectively locked to said frame, and further locking means are attached to said head supporting table top section and to said leg supporting table top sections and arranged to releasably engage said torso supporting table top section and said pelvis supporting table top section respectively, whereby to selectively lock any of said torso supporting and leg supporting table top sections to the head supporting or pelvis supporting table top section.
 11. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 10, wherein any of said locking means includes a spring biased latch pivoted on the corresponding table top section and arranged to engage a catch, and a crank constructed and arranged to engage said spring biased latch to disengage the latter from said catch and including a manual lever portion extending along one side of said frame and arranged to be accessible to a patient lying down on said table.
 12. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 2, wherein said plurality of table top sections include a torso supporting table top section and a pelvis supporting table top section, a first, a second and a third pairs of parallel guide rods are fixed to said frame and extend into the longitudinal direction thereof, sliding blocks are fixed to said torso supporting table top section in engagement with said first pair of guide rods and are arranged, whereby the torso supporting table top section is slidable into said longitudinal direction along said first pair of guide rods, and sliding blocks are fixed to said pelvis supporting table top section in engagement with said second and third pairs of guide rods and are arranged, whereby the pelvis supporting table top section is slidable into said longitudinal direction along said second and third pairs of guide rods.
 13. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 12, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section and a pair of leg supporting table top sections, a fourth pair of parallel side rods are fixed to said torso supporting table top section, sliding blocks are fixed to said head supporting table top section in engagement with said fourth pair of guide rods and are arranged, whereby the head supporting table slidable section is slidable into said longitudinal direction along said fourth pair of guide rods, A spring biasing means is connected between said head supporting table top section and said torso supporting table top section to bias the same apart from each other, two pairs of parallel guide rods are fixed to said pelvis supporting table top section underneath each leg supporting table top section, sliding blocks are fixed to each of said leg supporting table top sections in engagement with one of said two pairs of guide rods, and are arranged whereby the leg supporting table top sections are slidably into said longitudinal direction along said two pairs of guide rods.
 14. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 12, further including a body restraining means having a pair of posts fixed to said head supporting table top section, and a chin strap attached to said posts and arranged to engage the chin of a patient to exert traction on his spine; a bracket adjustably mounted onto said frame adjacent each leg supporting table top section; and a gaiter element adapted to releasably engage each of said bracket and to engage one foot of a patient to exert traction thereon.
 15. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is rockingly supported on said base for angular and longitudinal displacement relative thereto.
 16. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 15, further including rollers and guide track means interconnecting said base to said frame and constructed and arranged to rockingly support the latter.
 17. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 16, wherein said guide track means includes similar arch-shape tracks extending in parallel relationship lengthwise of said frame, the latter has one pair of legs associated to each of said arch-shape tracks, and said rollers are rotatably carried by said legs in spaced-apart points along each of said arch-shape tracks and are arranged to rollingly carry said frame thereon for longitudinal and angular movement thereof relative to said base.
 18. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 17, further including a screw extending longitudinally of said frame axially restrained at one end to said base and at the other end to said frame, and constructed and arranged to be rotated and to cause said angular and longitudinal displacement of the latter.
 19. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 7, wherein said plurality of table top sections further include a head supporting table top section, and said pelvis supporting table top section is constructed and arranged to also form a leg supporting table top section.
 20. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 19, wherein said head supporting table top section is fixedly secured to said frame, and said locking means constitutes a first locking means engaging said frame and said torso supporting table top section and arranged to releasably lock the latter relative to said frame, and a second locking means engages said frame and said pelvis and leg supporting table top section and is arranged to selectively lock the latter relative to said frame, whereby to allow independent displacement of said torso and pelvis supporting table top sections relative to said frame.
 21. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 20, wherein each of said first and second locking means includes a first member secured to said frame, a second member secured to a corresponding table top section and constructed and arranged for longitudinal displacement relative to said first member, and a locking element operatively associated to said first and second members to releasably lock one to the other, and one of said first and second members is a rod means and the other is an apertured member through which said rod means extends for to and fro displacement therethrough.
 22. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 21, wherein said rod means is a rod fixed at one end to one of said table top sections and extending longitudinally towards said head supporting table top section, said apertured member is a block fixEd to said frame and having a longitudinally extending aperture therethrough and said locking element is a screw threadably engaged into said block and constructed and arranged to intersect and engage said rod to lock the latter and the corresponding table top section against longitudinal displacement relative to said frame.
 23. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 22, wherein said guide tracks are fixed to each of said torso and pelvis supporting table top section and extends into parallel arrangements relative thereto lengthwise of said frame, and rollers are rotatably fixed to said frame and extend into engagement with said guide tracks.
 24. An orthopedic treatment table as defined in claim 18, further including a tube pivotally connected to said base about a transverse axis thereof and a nut axially fixed to said tube, said screw is threadably mounted into said nut and is pivotally connected to said frame about a transverse axis thereof and a handwheel is secured to said screw to rotate the latter to cause extension and contraction of the screw and tube relative to each other, thereby causing said angular and longitudinal displacement.
 25. An orthopedic treatment table as claimed in claim 1, further including a manually operable locking means connected to said frame and to said one table top section and accessible to a patient lying down on said table, whereby the patient may unlock said one table top section so that the latter will move away from said fixed table top section under the action of gravity with said table in inclined position. 